Stop Sign and Crossing Arm Assemblies for School Buses, Stop Signs for Stop Sign Assemblies, and Attachment System for Connecting Stop Signs to Stop Signs Assemblies

ABSTRACT

A sign assembly comprising includes a reflective panel, first and second sign panels, and a LED strip. The first and second sign panels sandwich the reflective panel. The first and second sign panels form a channel therebetween. The LED strip is positioned within the channel. The first and second sign panels may be identical and/or have letter embossments. The reflective panel may be white with the first and second sign panels being clear PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.17/022,852, filed Sep. 16, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/902,629, filed Sep. 19, 2019, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to stop sign and crossing arm assembliesfor vehicles such as school buses.

BACKGROUND

Stop sign assemblies may be used with vehicles such as school buses. Astop sign assembly may include an actuator, a “stop” sign (or arm),mechanical components, and a housing. The actuator and the mechanicalcomponents are housed within the housing. The housing is to be mountedto the school bus to thereby mount the stop sign assembly to the schoolbus. The mechanical components connect the actuator to the stop signsuch that the stop sign moves between stowed and deployed positions asthe actuator is driven. In the stowed position, the stop sign is tuckedagainst the housing and generally lies in parallel with the school busto be understood as not being in use. In the deployed position, the stopsign extends out and generally perpendicular away from the school bus tosignal nearby vehicles to “stop”.

Crossing guard arm assemblies are also used with vehicles such as schoolbuses. A crossing arm assembly is like a stop sign assembly but includesa crossing guard arm having a relatively large length in place of a stopsign. When deployed, the crossing guard arm extends out in front of theschool bus to be a physical barrier causing children using the bus towalk out far enough in front of the bus for the bus driver to be able toview.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is stop sign assemblies in which theactuator of a stop sign assembly may be either an electric motoractuator or a pneumatic actuator that are substitutable with one anotherto form the stop sign assembly and in which the stop sign assemblyotherwise includes the same housing, the same stop sign, and the samemechanical components connecting the actuator to the stop signregardless of whether the electric motor or the pneumatic motor isprovided as the actuator.

Another object of the present invention is crossing guard arm assembliesin which the actuator of a crossing guard assembly may be either anelectric motor actuator or a pneumatic actuator that are substitutablewith one another to form the crossing guard assembly and in which thecrossing guard assembly otherwise includes the same housing, the samecrossing guard arm, and the same mechanical components connecting theactuator to the crossing guard arm regardless of whether the electricmotor or the pneumatic motor is provided as the actuator.

Another object of the present invention is stop signs or arms for stopsign assemblies and other signage for similar assemblies.

Another object of the present invention for a stop sign assembly havinga stop sign, mechanical components, and an actuator in which themechanical components are connected to the actuator is an attachmentconfiguration for attaching the stop sign to the mechanical componentsto thereby connect the stop sign to the actuator via the mechanicalcomponents whereby the stop sign moves between stowed and deployedpositions as the actuator is driven.

In carrying out at least one of the above and/or at least one otherobject, the present invention provides an assembly including a commonparts sub-assembly, an actuator, a physical appendage, and a mountingbracket. The common parts sub-assembly includes a rotor bracket and ahousing. The actuator is connected to the rotor bracket to cause therotor bracket to rotate during actuation of the actuator. The actuatorand the rotor bracket connected thereto are housed within the housing.The mounting bracket connects the physical appendage to the rotorbracket whereby the physical appendage moves between a stowed positionand a deployed position during actuation of the actuator. The actuatoris either an electric motor actuator or a pneumatic actuator that aresubstitutable with one another to assemble the assembly withoutmodification to any of the common parts sub-assembly and the physicalappendage.

In one variation, the actuator is the electric motor actuator. Theelectric motor actuator includes an electric motor and an actuatorhousing. The electric motor is operatively received within the actuatorhousing and the actuator housing and the rotor bracket are operativelyconnected to connect the electric motor actuator to the rotor bracket tocause the rotor bracket to rotate during actuation of the electric motoractuator.

The electric motor actuator may further include a controller forcontrolling the electric motor. The controller has at least one Halleffect sensor for use in monitoring operation of the electric motor incontrolling the electric motor. The electric motor may be a gear motorhaving a lead screw.

In another variation, the actuator is the pneumatic actuator. Thepneumatic actuator includes a spring-loaded pushrod, an air bladder, andan actuator housing. The spring-loaded pushrod and the air bladder areoperatively received within the actuator housing and the actuatorhousing and the rotor bracket are operatively connected to connect thepneumatic actuator to the rotor bracket to cause the rotor bracket torotate during actuation of the pneumatic actuator.

The pneumatic actuator may further include an electro-magnet to assistin restraining the rotor bracket to prevent unintentional deployment ofthe physical appendage. The electro-magnet may be energized when thephysical appendage is in the stowed position and may be de-energizedwhen the physical appendage is in the deployed position.

The pneumatic actuator may further include a dual action pressure reliefvalve. The dual action pressure relief valve is in operative arrangementfor controlling air from an air source to the air bladder of thepneumatic actuator. The dual action pressure relief valve functions withthe electro-magnet to be held open while the electro-magnet is beingenergized and to close while the electro-magnet is being de-energized.

The physical appendage may be either a stop sign or a crossing guard armthat are substitutable with one another to assemble the assembly withoutmodification to any of the common parts sub-assembly and the actuator.The mounting bracket may be of a first type when the physical appendageis the stop sign and the mounting bracket may be of a second type whenthe physical appendage is the crossing guard arm.

The housing may be mounted to a vehicle. In this case, the physicalappendage is tucked near the vehicle when the physical appendage is inthe stowed position and extends out away from the vehicle when thephysical appendage is in the deployed position. For example, thephysical appendage may have a 90° deployment range between the stowedposition and the deployed position.

The common parts sub-assembly may further include an electricalconnector and the physical appendage may further include a correspondingelectrical connector and the electrical connectors may be connectedtogether for illuminators of the physical appendage to receiveelectricity.

The assembly may be for a school bus with the housing being mountable tothe school bus.

In carrying out at least one of the above and/or at least one otherobject, the present invention provides an assembly including a rotorbracket, an actuator, a housing, a physical appendage, and a mountingbracket. The actuator is connected to the rotor bracket to cause therotor bracket to rotate during actuation of the actuator. The actuatorwith the rotor bracket connected thereto are housed within the housing.The mounting bracket connects the physical appendage to the rotorbracket whereby the physical appendage moves between stowed and deployedpositions during the actuation of the actuator. The actuator is eitheran electric motor actuator or a pneumatic actuator that aresubstitutable with one another to assemble the assembly withoutmodification to the rotor bracket, the housing, the physical appendage,or the mounting bracket.

The physical appendage may be either a stop sign or a crossing guardarm.

In carrying out at least one of the above and/or at least one otherobject, the present invention provides a sign assembly. The signassembly includes a reflective panel, first and second sign panels, anda LED strip. The first and second sign panels sandwich the reflectivepanel. The first and second sign panels form a channel therebetween. TheLED strip is positioned within the channel.

The first and second sign panels may be identical. The reflective panelmay be white and the first and second sign panels may be clear PMMA(Polymethyl methacrylate) panels. The first and second sign panels mayhave letter embossments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are shown with reference to thefollowing drawings introduced as follows:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate respective front and rear isometric views ofa stop sign assembly in a deployed position in accordance withembodiments of the present assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrate a rear isometric view of the stop sign assembly in astowed position in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D respectively illustrate exploded, frontisometric, rear isometric, and sectional views of a stop sign assemblyin accordance with first embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an electric motor actuator of thestop sign assembly in accordance with the first embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the electric motor actuator and the rotor bracket ofthe stop sign assembly connected together;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view depicting installation of the electric motoractuator and the rotor bracket into the housing of the stop signassembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates the electric motor actuator with the rotor bracketinstalled in the housing;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a pushrod subassembly of apneumatic actuator of the stop sign assembly in accordance with thefirst embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the pneumatic actuator;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view depicting connection of thepneumatic actuator with the rotor bracket;

FIG. 11 illustrates a view depicting installation of the pneumaticactuator with the rotor bracket into the housing of the stop signassembly;

FIG. 12 illustrates the pneumatic actuator with the rotor bracketinstalled in the housing;

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16 illustrate a sealed sign element sub-assemblyof a stop sign in accordance with second embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 illustrates the sealed sign element sub-assembly and signcomponent panels of the stop sign in accordance with the secondembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a crossing guard arm assembly in accordance withthird embodiments of the present invention, the crossing guard armassembly being mounted to a bumper of a vehicle such as a school bus;

FIG. 19 illustrates the crossing guard arm of the crossing guard armassembly in a deployed position;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D illustrate respective views of the crossingguard arm assembly and components thereof;

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D illustrate respective views of anattachment system for connecting a stop sign to a stop sign assembly inaccordance with fourth embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 22A and 22B respectively illustrate an exploded view and a partialphantom perspective view of a dual action pressure relief valve for usewith a pneumatic actuator of a stop sign assembly in accordance withfifth embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F respectively illustrate a side view, atilted side view, a rear side view, and a front side view of the dualaction pressure relief valve installed in a port in an air inlet coverof the pneumatic actuator;

FIG. 22G illustrates a rear side view of the dual action pressure reliefvalve installed in the port in the air inlet cover of the pneumaticactuator along with the spring-loaded pushrod of the pneumatic actuator;

FIG. 22H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual action pressurerelief valve installed in the port in the air inlet cover of thepneumatic actuator, the dual action pressure relief valve being closed;and

FIG. 22I illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual action pressurerelief valve installed in the port in the air inlet cover of thepneumatic actuator, the dual action pressure relief valve being opened.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the present invention that may be embodied invarious and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale;some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art tovariously employ the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, a stop sign assembly 10 inaccordance with embodiments of the present assembly is shown. FIGS. 1Aand 1B illustrate respective front and rear isometric views of stop signassembly 10 in a deployed position. FIG. 2 illustrates a rear isometricview of stop sign assembly 10 in a stowed position.

Stop sign assembly 10 generally includes an actuator (not shown), aphysical appendage such as a “stop” sign (or arm) 12 (“stop sign”),mechanical components including a rotor bracket 14 and a mountingbracket 16, and a housing 18. The actuator, rotor bracket 14, and someof the mechanical components are housed within housing 18. Housing 18 ismountable to a vehicle such as a school bus (not shown) to thereby mountstop sign assembly 10 to the school bus. Mounting bracket 16 connectsstop sign 12 to rotor bracket 14. Some of the mechanical componentsconnect the actuator to rotor bracket 14. Actuation of the actuatorcauses rotor bracket 14 to rotate. Mounting bracket 16 rotates as rotorbracket 14 rotates. Consequently, stop sign 12, connected to mountingbracket 16, moves between the stowed and deployed positions as theactuator is driven.

In the deployed position, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, stop sign 12 extendsout and generally perpendicular away from housing 18 to signal nearbyvehicles to “stop”. In the stowed position, shown in FIG. 2, stop sign12 is tucked against housing 18 and generally lies in parallel thereagainst to be understood as not being in use.

As background, stop sign assemblies ordinarily have similar butdifferent constructions for each application, e.g., one construction forelectric motor actuator operation and another construction for pneumaticactuator operation. As described in further detail below, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention, the mechanisms areconsolidated into a common housing and there are several other commonparts.

The electric motor is a primary failure mode in ordinary stop signassemblies. This may be for several reasons like oscillation andvibrations and other mechanical stresses. Ordinarily, a direct driveservo motor is used as the electric motor. The shaft of the motor is theaxis of rotation of the stop sign. Thus, when the stop sign is stressedby wind or vibration, any uncontrolled movement is back fed directlyinto the motor. The motor is a self-position arrangement, so its holdingforce is all that controls the stowed or deployed positions. It can bemanually pulled out of position and as long as there is power, it willcorrect to the intended position. The gears inside the servo motor arebeing damaged because of the environmental inputs. There may be otherreasons for short lifespan of the motor.

As described in further detail below, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the electric motor is a gear motor with anintegrated lead screw (i.e., gear motor lead screw and gear train orgear box). The electric motor is “decoupled” from the environmentalforces. The intent is to eliminate reversing forces into the motor andensure lower stresses in the motor and longer life. The screw cannot beback driven because of unintended forces. The pitch of the screw is acontrolling factor for the torque and speed adjustments to themechanism. The “backloads” are absorbed at the captured nut on the leadscrew and transferred into non-axial or side loads on the screw. Thismakes the positioning a positive displacement, eliminating or reducingunintended positional changes to the sign. The lead screw arrangementalso multiplies the forces that the motor can generate. So availableforces to move the stop sign will be much higher than what typical stopsign assemblies can generate. Longer functional lifespan is more likelywith our arrangement.

As described in further detail below, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the pneumatic versions have notable featuresother than some common parts. The return spring is as large as ourpackage will allow. This spring is larger so regardless of theengineered output force, it has the likely hood to be more reliablewithout fade of the forces over time.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, exploded, front isometric,rear isometric, and sectional views of a common parts modulesub-assembly 11 of a stop sign assembly 10 in accordance with firstembodiments of the present invention are respectively shown. Commonparts module sub-assembly 11 includes the parts of stop sign assembly 10that are a part of stop sign assembly 10 regardless of whether theactuator is an electric motor actuator or a pneumatic actuator. That is,common parts module sub-assembly 11 includes the “common parts” whichare present in all variations (electric motor actuator vs. pneumaticactuator) of stop sign assembly 10.

Common parts module sub-assembly 11 includes stop sign 12, mechanicalcomponents including rotor bracket 14 and sign mounting bracket 16, andhousing 18. Rotor bracket 14 may be made of metal, mounting bracket 16may be made of steel, and housing 18 may be a composite. Common partsmodule sub-assembly 11 further includes rear closeout panel (i.e., ametal back cover) 22 and an associated foam gasket 23. Rear closeoutpanel 22 is an integral part of stop sign assembly 10 and is attached tohousing 18 prior to installation of stop sign assembly 10 on a vehiclesuch as a school bus.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, stop sign 12 is tobe connected to the actuator for the stop sign to be movable between thestowed and deployed positions in response to actuation of the actuator.In this regard, stop sign 12 is connected to mounting bracket 16,mounting bracket 16 is connected to rotor bracket 14, and rotor bracket14 is connected to the actuator. Actuation of the actuator causes rotorbracket 14, connected to the actuator, to rotate which causes mountingbracket 16, connected to rotor bracket 14, to rotate which causes stopsign 12, connected to mounting bracket 16, to rotate between stowed anddeployed positions.

The mechanical components of common parts module assembly 11 includeother mechanical components for establishing the mechanical connectionsbetween rotor bracket 14 and mounting bracket 16. As shown in FIG. 3A,these other mechanical components include a metal pin tube 25 a, a steelroller pin 25 b, bronze bushings 25 c, bronze rollers 25 d, flanged locknuts 25 e, and collard studs 25 f. These other mechanical componentsfurther include a metal clamp bracket 27 a and an associated mountingscrew 27 b. Clamp bracket 27 a is used for clamping rotor bracket 14 andmounting bracket 16 together. In this regard, mounting bracket 16includes a flange 17 to which clamp bracket 27 a is mounted to andsecured thereto by mounting screw 27 b. In a more preferred variation,clamp bracket 27 a and mounting screw 27 b are replaced with collardstuds and locknuts. As such, in this more preferred variation, no clampsare used.

As further shown in FIG. 3A, common parts module sub-assembly 11includes additional parts associated with housing 18. These additionalparts include auxiliary seals 29 a and rubber bumpers 29 b. Common partsmodule sub-assembly 11 further includes an electrical connector 31 forconnecting to a corresponding electrical connector 33 of stop sign.Electrical connectors 31 and 33 are connected for electricity to besupplied to stop sign 12 for powering signal lamps 34 or otherilluminators of stop sign 12.

As described, common parts module sub-assembly 11 is comprised of theparts that are used in all variations of stop sign assembly 10. Thesecommon parts include outer housing 18, rotor bracket 14, roller (pivot)pin 25 b, seals, and attachment features. Housing 18 uses metal backcover 22 which adds significant structure to stop sign assembly 10. Theelectrical connector interface incorporated into housing 18 for stopsign 12 can be installed at some time after the stop sign 12 isinstalled.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 7, an electric motor actuator 20 ofstop sign assembly 10 in accordance with the first embodiments of thepresent invention are shown. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view ofelectric motor actuator 20. Electric motor actuator 20 includes anelectric motor 24, an actuator tube 26, an actuator housing 28, and anelectronic controller 39. Electric motor 24 is a gear motor having alead screw 35. Lead screw 25 (size NEMA23) can be made more resistantand its thread pitch controls speed and force. Actuator tube 26 connectsto lead screw 35. Actuator tube 26 has an associated trigger magnet 37.Electric motor 24 with actuator tube 26 are inserted into actuatorhousing 28.

A rear closeout panel 41, such as an adhesive back film, seals electricmotor 24 and actuator tube 26 within actuator housing 28. Actuatorhousing 28 has an electric connector interface 43. Actuator housing 28has associated motor mount nuts 45.

Electric motor actuator 20 is a linear actuator which uses lead screw 35and a gear motor (i.e., electric motor 24) and actuator tube 26 withtrigger magnet 37 which provide ample force potential to move stop sign12. This arrangement minimizes any possible back driving of electricmotor 24 from unintended oscillations of stop sign 12. It is a positivedisplacement mechanism that only allows movement of stop sign 12 whenelectric motor 24 is energized. This additionally provides a longermotor life.

Electronic controller 39 controls electric motor 24 to position stopsign 12 where intended. Electronic controller 39 uses Hall effectsensors for handling its controller operations. In one variation,electronic controller 39 has a mechanical relay-based PCB (printedcircuit board), using two Hall switches as limit switch for bothpositional margins. In another variation, electronic controller 39 has aprocessor-based PCB for programmability and uses one Hall switch forproximity only and uses current monitoring for shutoff. As described,electric motor actuator 20 has a custom on board controller 39 with Halleffect positioning circuits. This is highly integrated to electric motor24 and lead screw 35.

FIG. 5 illustrates electric motor actuator 20 and rotor bracket 14 ofstop sign assembly 10 connected together. Particularly, electric motor24 is operatively received within actuator housing 28 and actuatorhousing 28 and rotor bracket 14 are operatively connected together. As aresult, actuation of electric motor 24 causes lead screw 35 to rotatewhich causes rotor bracket 14 to rotate to thereby move stop sign 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view depicting installation of electric motoractuator 20 and rotor bracket 14 into housing 18 of stop sign assembly10. The install components for installing electric motor actuator 20with rotor bracket 14 attached thereto into housing 18 include a pair ofstuds 47 a and six mounting screws 47 b. These install components arethe same install components for installing the pneumatic actuator withrotor bracket 14 attached thereto into housing 18.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate sequential installation steps forassembling electric motor actuator 20 (FIG. 4), assembling the assembledelectric motor actuator 20 with rotor bracket 14 (FIG. 5), andinstalling the assembled electric motor actuator 20 with rotor bracket14 attached thereto into housing 18 (FIG. 6). FIG. 7 illustrates thefinished assembly of assembled electric motor actuator 20 and rotorbracket 14 attached thereto received within housing 18, with a harnessadded.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, a pneumatic actuator 50 ofstop sign assembly 10 in accordance with the first embodiments of thepresent invention is shown. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of apushrod subassembly 52 of pneumatic actuator 50. Pushrod subassembly 52includes a molded, stamped washer pushrod 53 a with associated screw 53b, an air bladder 54, a molded nylon cup 56, an aluminum pushrod 58, anda return spring 60 (shown in FIG. 9).

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of pneumatic actuator 50 includingthe assembled pushrod assembly 52. Pneumatic actuator 50 furtherincludes an actuator housing 62. Actuator housing 62 includes a guidetube 64. Guide tube 64 has an interior area for receiving pushrodsubassembly 52 therein. Pneumatic actuator 50 further includes a stowagemagnet 66 and an air inlet cover 68. Air inlet cover 68 has anassociated screw 69 a and NPT air fitting 69 b. Magnet 66 is receivedwithin a receiving area of air bladder 54 and air inlet cover 68 sealspushrod assembly 52 within the interior area of guide tube 64. Air inletcover 68 is bonded to guide tube 64.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view depicting connection of pneumaticactuator 50 with rotor bracket 14. Pneumatic actuator 50 is shown inFIG. 10 as being assembled and thereby has the form of an air cansub-assembly. Particularly, pneumatic actuator 50 is assembled withpushrod subassembly 52 operatively received within actuator housing 62and actuator housing 62 and rotor bracket 14 are to be operativelyconnected together. As a result of the operative connection betweenactuator housing 62 and rotor bracket 14, actuation of pushrodsubassembly 52 causes rotor bracket 14 to rotate to thereby move stopsign 12.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view depicting installation of pneumatic actuator50 with rotor bracket 14 attached thereto into housing 18 of stop signassembly 10. The install components for installing pneumatic actuator 50with rotor bracket 14 attached thereto into housing 18 include studs 47a and mounting screws 47 b. As noted above, these install components arethe same install components for installing electric motor actuator 20with rotor bracket 14 attached thereto into housing 18.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate sequential installation steps forassembling pneumatic actuator 50 (FIGS. 8 and 9), assembling theassembled pneumatic actuator 50 with rotor bracket 14 (FIG. 10), andinstalling the assembled pneumatic actuator 50 with rotor bracket 14attached thereto into housing 18 (FIG. 11). FIG. 12 illustrates thefinished assembly of assembled pneumatic actuator 50 and rotor bracket14 attached thereto received within housing 18.

In sum, pneumatic actuator 50 is a pressure-operated cannister that hasa spring-load pushrod 58 that is displaced in linear fashion when airbladder 54 is pressurized. There is an integrated electro-magnet, i.e.,stowage magnet 66, positioned within the cannister to add some abilityto restrain stop sign 12 in the stowed position to prevent unintentionaldeploy from various forces. Magnet 66 is energized inversely to theelectrical signal from the vehicle that signals deployment. As such,when stop sign 12 is stowed, magnet 66 is energized, and when stop sign12 is signaled to deploy, magnet 66 is de-energized. Magnet 66 is alsoinverse to the pneumatic pressure cycle. As described, pneumaticactuator 50 has an integrated electro-magnet which provides stability tostop sign 12 during stowage and prevents inadvertent deployment of stopsign 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16, a sealed sign elementsub-assembly 212 of stop sign 12 in accordance with second embodimentsof the present invention is shown. With reference to FIG. 13, the signelement is clear PMMA with red LED and white appearance of letteringwhen unlit. This represents a sealed disposable/replaceable lightingfixture. With reference to FIG. 14, the sealed sign element sub-assemblyincludes two clear PMMA molded panels 150 a and 150 b using one designtwice (i.e., two identical panels). Wires exit at small slot whichallows easy sealing.

With reference to FIG. 15, a molded channel 152 at top and bottom ofeach panel accepts close fitting. A LED strip 154 is capturedtherebetween. LED strip 154 has red LED with sufficient dispersion toaccomplish even light pattern across entire lettering field. Letterembossments 156 on the outer surface of the panels will be flush to thesurface of the stop sign. Micro-optics 158 are on the backsides of thepanels. A white, opaque, highly reflective film 160 is sandwichedbetween the panels. With reference to FIG. 16, capturing of LED 154 andits placement within sealed sign element sub-assembly 212 is shown. Asdescribed, sealed sign element sub-assembly 212 utilizes a LED lightpipe concept.

FIG. 17 illustrates sealed sign element sub-assembly 212 and signcomponent panels of stop sign 12 in accordance with the secondembodiments of the present invention. The sealed element is installedbetween the sign component panels to shield unwanted light leakage fromoutside the lettering embossments.

As described, sealed sign element sub-assembly 212 provides an LED edgelit light sign concept which can be used as a strobe or flasher and isshown in the drawings to illuminate the lettering for “STOP”. A similartechnology for TIR (total internal reflection) lighting could also beapplied to the signal lamps used on stop sign 12. Thus, in effect, thelamp would have indirect illumination of a lens element that functionsas a signal lamp. This concept may offer advantages in raw materialcontent versus current products used as signal lamps. Typically, theselamp systems have integrated control so this integration of control(intensity, pattern, and color) could control all illumination functions(lettering and signal lamps) of stop sign 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a crossing guard arm assembly 300 inaccordance with third embodiments of the present invention is shown.Crossing guard arm assembly 300 may be embodied as stop sign assembly 10with the difference being that crossing guard arm assembly 300 has acrossing guard arm 302 in place of stop sign 12. That is, other than thesubstitution of stop sign 12 with crossing guard arm 302, stop signassembly 10 can be used unchanged, or with minor variants, to providecrossing guard arm assembly 300.

As such, crossing guard arm assembly 300 includes either an electricmotor actuator or a pneumatic actuator housed within housing 18, acrossing guard arm 302, mechanical components including rotor bracket 14and mounting bracket 16. Crossing guard arm assembly 300 is mounted to abumper of a vehicle such as a school bus, as shown in FIG. 18. Mountingbracket 16 connects crossing guard arm 302 to rotor bracket 14. Theactuator is connected to rotor bracket 14 to cause the rotor bracket torotate during actuation of the actuator. Consequently, crossing guardarm 302 moves between stowed and deployed positions as the actuator isdriven. In FIG. 19, crossing guard arm 302 is in the deployed position.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the crossing guard arm mechanism canadapt to behind the bumper mounting or also forward mounting. Rearcloseout panel 20 can incorporate variations in mounting geometry orflexibility. Base actuator bolts may be tailored to unique swing armbracket. Magnetic stowage of crossing guard arm 302 may also beprovided.

Using the variants described herein offers the ability to have power tothe crossing arm mechanism location so various forms of lighting couldbe incorporated into crossing guard arm 302.

As described, housing 18 is “common” to stop sign assembly 10 in thathousing 18 is a part of the stop sign assembly whether the actuator ofthe stop sign assembly is electric motor actuator 20 or pneumaticactuator 50. As such, the common housing can be converted either toelectric stop arm or pneumatic stop arm with simple module (i.e.,electric motor actuator 20 or pneumatic actuator 50) replacement. Eitherof the electric motor actuator or pneumatic actuator variants can beapplied to the crossing arm (at the front bumper).

Referring now to FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, respective views ofcrossing guard arm assembly 300 and components thereof are shown. Asshown in FIG. 20A, crossing guard arm assembly 300 includes a mountingbracket 303 to which clamp bracket 27 a connects via a mounting bolt atthe location designated by reference numeral 304. Mounting bracket 303is connected via a fender bolt or nut 306 to crossing guard arm 302, asalso shown in FIG. 20B. FIGS. 20C and 20D illustrate mounting bracket303. A through hole 308 of mounting bracket 303 for receiving fenderbolt or nut 306 is shown in FIG. 20C. A through hole 310 of mountingbracket 303 for receiving a mounting bolt for mounting clamp bracket 27a thereto is shown in FIG. 20D.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, with continual referenceto FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, respective views of an attachment systemfor connecting stop sign 12 to stop sign assembly 10 in accordance withfourth embodiments of the present invention is shown. The attachmentsystem uses a one screw sign attachment method which provides a clamp onstyle sign attachment that facilitates service or assembly withoutremoving the entire stop sign assembly from a vehicle to which the stopsign assembly is mounted. This also facilitates using a variety of signconfigurations for different purposes. This attachment, or clamping,system can be used to attach the crossing arm poly stick and then usethese assemblies in the crossing arm applications adaptable to variousvehicle models and mounting positions. Further, some adjustments toproportions of parts will occur to ensure controlled fitcharacteristics.

The attachment system includes flange 17 of mounting bracket 16, clamp27 a, and mounting screw 27 b. These components, shown in an explodedview in FIG. 21A, are configured to provide multi axis stability whenused to connect stop sign 12 to stop sign assembly 10 (or, moreparticularly, to connect stop sign 12 to rotor bracket 14). Turning toFIG. 21D, there it is shown rotor bracket 14 captures flange 17 ofmounting bracket 16. This provides multi axis positional control.Turning back to FIG. 21B, a cross-sectional view of rotor bracket 14 andthe captured portion of flange 17 of mounting bracket 16 is shown.Turning to FIG. 21C, mounting screw 27 b screwing clamp bracket 27 a andthe captured portion of flange 17 of mounting bracket 16 together isshown. This screwing action draws mounting bracket 16 into a notch ofrotor bracket 14 as indicated by reference numeral 19.

Referring now FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22G, 22H, and 221,with continual reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, a dual actionpressure relief valve 250 for use with pneumatic actuator 50 of stopsign assembly 10 will be described.

As overview, a vehicle such as a school bus may have two or more stopsign assemblies 10 such a stop sign assembly mounted at the front of thebus and a stop sign assembly mounted at the rear or the other side ofthe bus. The bus may have a crossing guard arm assembly 300 in additionto one or more stop sign assemblies 10. For ease of description, it willbe assumed that the bus has two stop sign assemblies 10.

When the actuators of the two stop sign assemblies 10 are pneumaticactuators, it is difficult to close (i.e., move to the stowed position)the two stop signs 12 of the stop sign assemblies at roughly the sametime depending on the positioning of the stop sign assemblies from theair source on the bus for the pneumatic actuators. That is, it isdifficult to close the two stop signs 12 of the stop sign assemblies atroughly the same time when there are vastly different airline lengths.Typically, both air regulators are upfront in the bus so rear stop signassembly 10 is slow to back feed the air release through the line to thesolenoid where it is released. For instance, the pressure release has topush through fifty feet of air hose for rear stop sign assembly 10 andonly two feet of air hose for front stop sign assembly 10.

Dual action pressure relief valve 250 is used with pneumatic actuator 50of a stop sign assembly 10 to solve this problem to thereby enable thetwo stop sign assemblies 10 to close their respective stop signs 12 atroughly the same time (e.g., within one second of each other). Dualaction pressure relief valve 250 is intended to work to release thepressure to the atmosphere right at stop sign 12. With reference to FIG.9, the function of dual action pressure relief valve 250 is based onstowage magnet 66. Magnet 66 becomes a solenoid in its secondaryfunction. When magnet 66 is inverse to the air pressure cycle, dualaction pressure relief valve 250 is held open while magnet 66 is on andstop sign 12 is stowed. When pressure comes on for deploy, magnet 66goes off and dual action pressure relief valve 250 closes undercalibrated spring pressure. There is a secondary function to dual actionpressure relief valve 250 in that the dual action pressure relief valvewill open from pressure alone based on overcoming the spring force withair pressure. So, dual action pressure relief valve 250 should open justfrom overpressure regardless of magnet 66 mode on or off. Dual actionpressure relief valve 250 is highly integrated. The valve spring is tobe calibrated to function at the desired pressures.

FIGS. 22A and 22B respectively illustrate an exploded view and a partialphantom perspective view of dual action pressure relief valve 250. Dualaction pressure relief valve 250 includes a valve plunger 252, a hollowbolt 254, a spring 256, and a metal armature of solenoid 258. Hollowbolt 254 includes a pressure escape hole 259. The valve threads toarmature. Hollow bolt 254 is used to mount magnet 66 to housing. Spring256 is calibrated for operational pressure.

FIGS. 22C, 22D, 22E, and 22F respectively illustrate a side view, atilted side view, a rear side view, and a front side view of dual actionpressure relief valve 250 installed in a port (best shown in FIG. 9) inair inlet cover 68 of pneumatic actuator 50.

FIG. 22G illustrates a rear side view of dual action pressure reliefvalve 250 installed in the port in air inlet cover 68 of pneumaticactuator 50 along with spring-loaded pushrod 60 of the pneumaticactuator.

FIG. 22H illustrates a cross-sectional view of dual action pressurerelief valve 250 installed in the port in air inlet cover 68 ofpneumatic actuator 50. Dual action pressure relief valve 250 is closed.

FIG. 22I illustrates a cross-sectional view of dual action pressurerelief valve 250 installed in the port in air inlet cover 68 ofpneumatic actuator 50. Dual action pressure relief valve 250 is opened.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the present invention.Rather, the words used in the specification are words of descriptionrather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sign assembly comprising: a reflective panel;first and second sign panels sandwiching the reflective panel, the firstand second sign panels forming a channel therebetween; and a LED strippositioned within the channel.
 2. The sign assembly of claim 1 wherein:the first and second sign panels are identical.
 3. The sign assembly ofclaim 1 wherein: the reflective panel is white and the first and secondsign panels are clear PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) panels.
 4. The signassembly of claim 1 wherein: the first and second sign panels haveletter embossments.
 5. The sign assembly of claim 1 wherein: thereflective panel has a channel therein, the channel of the reflectivepanel being aligned with the channel formed between the first and secondsign panels whereby the LED strip positioned within the channel formedbetween the first and second sign panels is also positioned in thechannel of the reflective panel.
 6. The sign assembly of claim 1wherein: the reflective panel is white and opaque, the first and secondsign panels are optically transparent, and the LED strip emits a redlight.
 7. The sign assembly of claim 6 wherein: the red light emitted bythe LED strip provides a total internal reflection lighting by the LEDstrip being positioned within the channel formed between the opticallytransparent first and second panels which sandwich the white and opaquereflective panel.
 8. The sign assembly of claim 1 wherein: the first andsecond sign panels further form a second channel therebetween; and thesign assembly further comprises a second LED strip positioned within thesecond channel.
 9. The sign assembly of claim 8 wherein: the channelsare respectively positioned laterally across a top edge of the first andsecond sign panels and a bottom edge of the first and second sign panelswhereby the LED strips positioned within the channels respectivelyextend laterally across the top edge of the first and second sign panelsand the bottom edge of the first and second sign panels.
 10. The signassembly of claim 1 wherein: the first and second sign panels each havean outer surface and an inner surface, the reflective panel beingsandwiched between the inner surfaces of the first and second signpanels; the inner surfaces of the first and second sign panels havingmicro-optics; and the outer surfaces of the first and second sign panelshaving letter embossments.
 11. The sign assembly of claim 1 wherein: thefirst and second sign panels are sealed together with the reflectivepanel sandwiched therein whereby the sign assembly is a sealed lightingfixture.
 12. An assembly comprising: a lighting fixture including areflective panel, first and second fixture panels, and a LED strip,wherein the reflective panel is white and opaque, the first and secondfixture panels are optically transparent, and the LED strip ispositioned within a channel formed between the first and second fixturepanels; a sign frame formed by first and second sign component panels;and wherein the lighting fixture is sandwiched between the first andsecond sign component panels.
 13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein: thesign frame has an octagon perimeter.
 14. The assembly of claim 12wherein: each of the first and second sign component panels of the signframe have openings thereon; each of the first and second fixture panelsof the lighting fixture have embossments thereon; and the embossments ofthe first and second fixture panels of the lighting fixture extend intothe openings of the first and second sign component panels of the signframe.
 15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein: the openings of the firstand second sign component panels of the sign frame form the word “STOP”on each of the first and second sign component panels of the sign frame;and the embossments of the first and second fixture panels of thelighting fixture form the word “STOP” on each of the first and secondfixture panels of the lighting fixture.
 16. The assembly of claim 12wherein: the LED strip emits a red light.
 17. The assembly of claim 12wherein: the first and second fixture panels are sealed together withthe reflective panel sandwiched therein whereby the lighting fixture isa sealed lighting fixture.
 18. The assembly of claim 12 wherein: atleast one of the first and second sign component panels of the signframe has a signal lamp thereon.
 19. The assembly of claim 12 wherein:the sign frame further includes a mounting bracket mounted to a rotorbracket of an actuator whereby the assembly is movable between a stowedposition and a deployed position during actuation of the actuator. 20.The assembly of claim 19 wherein: the mounting bracket of the sign frameis mounted to the rotor bracket of the actuator via a one screwattachment.